Stars and their pooches walked the red carpet for an evening of glitz and glamour in aid of a Kensal Green animal charity.
More than £23,000 was raised at the Mayhew Animal Home’s Tinsel and Tails Christmas Fundraiser at The Grand Connaught Rooms on Tuesday night.
The star-studded evening was hosted by Kiss FM presenter Pandora Christie with celebrities and their four-legged guests including James McVey from The Vamps and Stephanie Pratt from the TV show Made in Chelsea.
More than 250 people attended the annual fundraiser which this year celebrated the charity’s 130th anniversary.
Guests enjoyed reception drinks, a three-course meal and were later treated to entertainment from Bollywood dancers.
Festive-filled auction and raffle prizes included a London Wine Academy Tasting Masterclass, box tickets to see a home game at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, and a cake created by The Great British Bake Off finalist, Jane Beedle, which made £300 on the night.
Guests were also shown a video showcasing ongoing work in the community helping pet owners, the homeless, the elderly and vulnerable, to help prevent more animals from ending up in shelters.
It also provided an insight into the organisation’s work overseas, all achieved from its premises in Trenmar Gardens.
Caroline Yates The Mayhew’s chief executive, said: “It was a fantastic night and we managed to raise an incredible amount. It was great to see so many people with dogs of all different shapes and sizes on the red carpet.
“Tinsel and Tails is all about celebrating the charity’s work in rescuing and rehoming dogs and cats and raising funds to enable this work to continue. The fundraiser was a great opportunity to highlight some of the many animal welfare issues our staff are faced with every day, including cases of neglect and illegal breeding, and showcasing our ongoing work out in the community helping vulnerable pet owners.
“The Mayhew receives no government or lottery funding so we rely completely on the generous donations of our supporters.”
Zoe Sheehan, events officer, added: “A massive thank you to everyone who attended and helped support The Mayhew, including staff, volunteers and celebrities. It was a great success and we can’t wait to do it all over again next year!”
To donate to help more animals in need visit themayhew.org
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